Courtesy: PSC
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the City Government of San Juan and the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) formally launched Saturday the city’s first-ever Futsal Developmental Program, opening doors for thousands of young San Juaneños to discover and develop their potential in the sport.
Leading the ceremony were San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez, who, together turned over futsal goals and balls to jumpstart the grassroots initiative.
The PSC donated 20 sets of goals and 120 futsal balls, ensuring that all 21 barangays of San Juan will benefit from the program.
“This is what we want: LGUs collaborating with PSC and the NSA. Stronger partnerships mean stronger programs. Kung tumataya ang PSC, gusto namin tumaya din ang LGU. Mas stronger ang collaboration kapag ganyan ang usapan,” said Gregorio.
The launch drew 125 kids who participated in clinics and friendly competitions, guided by Rafa Merino Rodriguez, Head Coach of the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team.
“We don’t have land for football fields, but we have plenty of wooden basketball courts spread across 17 barangays. With the help of the PSC and PFF, we can now transform these spaces into futsal venues,” Zamora said. “This is our first futsal program, and we are excited for the youth and even adults who love football.”
This milestone comes on the heels of the Philippines’ successful hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup last November, an event that earned the PFF dual honors at the 7th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards: National Sports Association of the Year and International Event of the Year.
“This is the pilot program to make futsal popular and get more kids to play the beautiful game. Thanks to Mayor Francis for embracing this initiative, and to Chairman Pato of PSC for making it possible. We hope other cities will follow San Juan’s lead,” said Gutierrez.
Also present were San Juan officials including Vice Mayor Angelo Agcaoili, councilors Macky Mathay, Herbert Chua, Francine Gil, special assistant to the mayor Rocco Zamora, and PFF technical consultant coach Bob Salvacion.
San Juan’s initiative opens the door to organize an inter-barangay futsal tournament, with ambitions to expand into inter-city meets, further embedding futsal into the grassroots fabric of Philippine sport.
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